Egg carton



R. A. GROSS EGG CARTON Sept. 4, 1934.

Filed July 8, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 @FDHO HOHQHO u uq ATTORNEY R. A. GROSS Sept. 4, 1934.

EGG CARTON Filed July 8, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY Q QGQ Q Q R. A. GROSS 1,972,707

EGG CARTON Filed July 8, 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet I5 Sept. 4, 1934.

ATTORNEY Patented Sept. 4, 1934 PATENT ime EGG CARTON Ralph A. Gross, Lititz, Pa., assignor to Simplex Paper Box Corporation, Lititz, Pa., :1, corporation of Pennsylvania Application July 8, 1933, Serial No. 679,497

12 Claims.

My invention consists in the novel features hereinafter described, reference being had to the accompanying drawings which show several embodiments of my invention selected by me for '5 purposes of illustration, and the said invention is fully disclosed in the following description and claims.

The object of my invention is to provide a very simple and eiiicient carton for the shipment of eggs and other fragile articles of somewhat similar form, such as candy confections in the form of eggs, electric light bulbs and the like, and which can be stored and transported in fiat or knocked-down condition.

The leading feature of my invention consists in the provision of a folding packing member for holding the articles firmly but yieldingly in separated relation at all times, so as to prevent them from being jarred into contact with each other and broken or injured, the said folding packing member comprising a flat sheet of paper, cardboard or other suitable sheet material scored or creased so that it will fold into condition to fit within a box or receptacle and provide one 25 or more valleys extending longitudinally thereof,

having their side walls provided with oval apertures oppositely disposed and having integral separating strips extending between the side walls of the valleys to engage the articles above their centers of gravity and prevent-the possibility of their coming into contact with each other by movements longitudinally of the box and valleys.

In carryi out my invention, I prefer to form the packing member integral with one of the side wall members of the box, that the packing member may be formed separately and inserted in the box if desired without departing from my invention.

My invention also comprises certainnovel features of construction and combination of parts hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims.

Referring to the said drawings:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a blank embodying my invention in its preferred form, a portion of the blank at the upper side of the figure being shown folded over in full lines, and its original position being indicated in dotted lines.

Fig. 2 represents a longitudinal sectional view of the blank on line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 represents a section of the blank on line 33 of Fig. 1.

4-is a plan view showing the portion of the blank constituting the box body erected, the cover but I wish it understood and the packing" member being in approximately horizontal position.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view on line 5--5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the box or carton in so set-up and closed position, a portion of the cover being broken away to show the packing member in operative position and'parts being illustrated in section.

Fig.7 is a sectional view on line 7-7 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a partial plan view of a blank similar to that shown in Fig. 1 but illustrating a modification of the spacing strips.

Fig. 9 represents a sectional view of the shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. '7 but illustrating the form of packing member shown in Figs.

8 and 9 with portions thereof adhesively united. Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 10 showing the central portions of the spacing strips united by stapling.

Fig. '12 is a sectional view similar to Fig. '7 showing the packing member formed separately from the enclosing box. 1

Referring to the embodiment of my invention 0 shown in Figs. 1 to linclusive, I prefer to form a blank illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 comprising both the packing member and the enclosing box in one piece. 'The box portion of the blank in this instance comprises the bottom section, '1, 35 having integral side sections, 2 and 3, integral end sections, 4 and 5, and corner sections integral with the adjacent side and end sections and divided by a diagonal score into sections 6 and 60, adapted to fold upon each other and upon the adiacent side sections. The corner sections, 60, are preferably permanently united to the adjacent side section, 2 or 3, as the case may be, either by staples, 6b, or by the use of an adhesive, or in any other desired manner.

Integral with the outer edge of the side section, 3, is a cover section, 7, having at its outer edge a locking section, 8, provided with two locking portions, 80, projecting beyond other portions of the outer edge of section 8, and adapted to engage slots indicated at 9, in the opposite side wall, 2, as clearly illustrated, for example, in Fi 7.

Integral with the outer edge of the side wall section, 2, is the packing member which comprises in this instance two pairs of longitudinal members, 10, 10a and 10b, 10c, integrally connected, the said pairs of sections being separated by a line, crease or score, 11, and the members of said pairs being separated by a crease or score blank indicated at 12, having preferably slitted portions therein as indicated at 12a, disposed at intervals longitudinally of the crease or score, 12. The outer edge of the outermost section, for example the outer edge of 100, in this instance is provided with an integral supporting section, 13, separated from the adjacent section,10c, by a line, score or crease indicated at 14. The purpose of this supporting member, 13, is to support the adjacent edge of the adjacent member, 100, when the packing member is inserted in the box. The pairs of sections, 10, 10a and 10b, 100, are intended to be maintained in inclined positions as indicated in Fig. 7 for example, so as to form a pair of valleys, V, V, as therein shown, the portions adjacent to the score or crease, 11, forming a central longitudinally extending rib supporting the valleys, V, V, and the portions adjacent to the crease or score, 12, and slot portions, 12a, engaging the bottom of the box as indicated in Fig. '7. The sections, 10 and 10a, forming the valley, V, are provided with oppositely disposed substantially oval apertures indicated at 15 in sufiicient number ordinarily to accommodate six of the articles to be packed therein, as eggs, for example. These apertures, 15, are spaced from each other in a direction longitudinally of the sections, '10, 10a, and between them transverse parallel cuts are made in the blank extending from near the center of section 10 across the fold or crease, 12, and to a corresponding position on the section, 10a, thus forming spacing strips, 16, the ends of which are integrally connected with the oppositely disposed sections, 10, 10a. It will be understood that the portion of the blank constituting the packing member may have as many pairs of sections similar to 10 and 10a as desired, but ordinarily these cartons when used for eggs are arranged to hold one dozen, and therefore in the example which I have selected for purposes of illustration, I have shown two pairs of these sections, it being understood that the sections 10b and 100 are constructed exactly like the sections,

10, 10a, as previously described. It is also to be understood that the spacing strips are transversely scored or creased centrally at 16a so as to be capable of bending in the opposite direction from the connecting fold or bend at 12 between the opposed sections, 10, 10a, or 10b, 100. This is clearly brought out in Figs. 2 and 3, and also in Figs. 5 and 7.

The packing member being formed in the manner described will yet remain substantially fiat so that the combined box and packing member as illustrated in Fig. 1 for example, can be shipped fiat. I prefer to fold both of the end sections, 4 and 5, upon the sections, 1, 2 and 3, in the manner indicated. with respect to the end fold, 4, in Fig. 1, and to permanently connect the corner section, 6a, to the adjacent side sections by stapling, glueing, stitching or otherwise, and to fold the packing member of the blank on the line, 1'7, separating it from the adjacent portion of the box which makes a very compact arrangement, and the cartons can be shipped and stored in this fiat form very conveniently.

When it is desired to fill the-carton, the operator will first elevate the infoldedend sections, 4 and 5, which by reason of their connections with the side members, 2 and 3, at 6b, will eifect the erection of the side sections into vertical position as indicated in Figs. 6 and 7, the corner sections, 6, 6a, folding upon each other and upon the adjacent side sections. The packing member will then be swung over upon the line indicated by the fold, 17, and the supporting section, 13, will be inserted in the box adjacent to the side wall, 3, as clearly indicated in Fig. 7, the pairs 01' sections, 10, 10a, and 10b, 10c, forming the transverse valleys, V, V, separated by the ridge, 11, as clearly indicated in Fig. 7, and the spacing strips, 16, bending at their central portions, 16a, which are maintained substantially adjacent to the upper portions of said valleys so as to engage the articles to be packed above their centers of gravity and prevent any possible contact between adjacent articles due to movement thereof longitudinally of the box. These integral spacing strips, 16, perform this function admirably. Their infolded V-shape form adapts them specially for spacing oval or spherical articles. They are simply formed as they are cut from the same blank as the other portions, and simply folded upwards instead of downwards, that is oppositely to the folding of the opposed sections, 10, 10a, etc. At the same time, being formed of cardboard, they provide great rigidity in the plane of the material from which they are formed, but are sufliciently yielding with respect to their union with the opposite sections, 10, 10a, etc., to be capable of yielding longitudinally. of the box without permitting the adjacent articles to come into contact. It is well known that eggs, for which this carton is particularly well adapted, will resist a considerable blow delivered at either end, but are very easily broken by a blow or contact between the ends. It will be seen that in filling the carton with eggs they are embraced within and extend through the apertures, 15, 15, in the opposed sections of the valleys so that one end, preferably the point, is supported upon the portionsof both of the opposed sections, as 10, 10a, adjacent to the crease or fold, 12, which portions hold them away from, and out of contact with the bottom of the box. It will also be seen that the upwardly extending portions of the separating strips, 16, engage the adjacent eggs well above their centers and positively prevent them from coming into contact with each other between their ends, thus insuring the safety of-the eggs or other articles.

After the carton is filled, the cover is closed down upon the box portion, and the locking projections, 8a, are inserted in the slots, 9, of the front wall, 2, of the box as clearly indicated in Fig. 7. It is to be noted that the sections, 10, 10a and 10b, 100, are supported very rigidly with respect to the box itself. At the forward edge of the box the adjacent section, 10, is integral with the front side wall, 2, and the outer edge portion of the outermost section, 100, 'is supported from the bottom of the box by the vertically disposed supporting section, 13, the upper edge of which at the fold, 14, is engaged by the cover when that is folded down, so that the section, 13, has no vertical movement in the box when the cover is closed. This supports the sections forming the valleys, V, V',' very firmly, and at the same time there is providedin the angular arrangements of the sections with respect to each other and the fact that they are not otherwise connected to the box at their points of contact, 12a, 12a, or at the central ridge, 11, a degree of resilience due to the character of the cardboard or other sheet material of which they are formed, which enables them to support the eggs or other articles yieldingly to compensate for ordinary jar and movement in transportation and handling.

I have stated that the packing members, hereinbefore described, can bemade separately from the box if desired, and I have shown such constructions in Fig. 12 in which the corresponding parts are given the same numerals as in the figures previously described, with the addition of 100. The only difference is that in this case a second supporting member indicated at 1130 is shown connected to the upper edge of the section, 110, by a fold at 117, so that both edges of the packing member are supported by support-. ing members, 113 and 113a, adjacent to the rear and front side walls respectively, the operation,

however, of packing and the function of the packing members are exactly the same as previously described.

In Figs. 8 to 11, inclusive, I have shown a slight modification of the parts corresponding with those shown in Figs. 1 to 7 inclusive, being given the same reference numerals with the addition of 200. The only difference between this form and that previously described, lies in the fact that in forming the packing member, the transverse slits which define the spacing strips, 216, are extended somewhat deeper into the adjacent sections, 210, 210a and 210b, 2100, so that the strips are of greater length than in the form previously described and terminate nearer to the upper portions of the valleys, V, V, as clearly shown in Fig. 10. These strips instead of having a central score are provided with three scores, 216a, 2161) and 2160, extending across the same, that is to say, longitudinally of the box, thus dividing them substantially into four sections indicated at R, S, T and U. When the packing member is folded for insertion in the box, the two central sections, S and T, of each of the spacing strips are folded together in vertical position and extend downwardly from the remaining sections,

R and U, as clearly indicated in Fig.'l0. The sections, R and U, of the spacing strips therefore extend across the top portion of the valleys and between the several eggs or other articles, while the sections, S and T, extend downward between the side portions of the eggs or other ar- 'ticles as will be readily understood. In some instances, it is found desirable to attach the downwardly extending portions, Sand T, of the at taching strips together permanently in substantially parallel relation by an adhesive as indicated in Fig. 10 or by means of a staple, 21611, as indicated in Fig. 11. Such attachingmeans may, however, be dispensed with in some instances where the character of the sheet material is sufficiently stiff to insure the parts, S and T, being held together or in substantial parallelism without being attached. It will be understood further that the type of packing member illustrated in Figs. 8 to 11 inclusive, may be formed integral with the box as therein indicated and as part of the combined blank, or the packing member may be made separate from the box in the manner indicated and previously described with reference to Fig. 12.

, comprising oppositely arranged integral sections extending longitudinally of the box member and having their lower edges connected adjacent to the bottom of the box, and diverging upwardly therefrom, said sections having oppositely disposed article receiving apertures, and transversely disposed spacing strips located between adjacent apertures, extending across the line of union between said sections at a distance above the same with their edges in position to engage and hold separate adjacent articles and having their opposite ends permanently connected respectively to said sections, said strips being of such length as to permit said'sections to be extended into a single plane.

2. In a collapsible carton, the combination with an enclosing box member, of a packing member comprising oppositely arranged integral sections extending longitudinally of the box, connected at their lower edges adjacent to the bottom of'the box and diverging upwardly therefrom, said sections having oppositely disposed article receiving apertures and spacing strips integral with said oppositely arrangedsections, located between adjacent apertures thereof and integrally connected to said sections at a distance from their connected edges.

3. In a collopsible carton, the combination with an enclosing box member, of a packing member comprising oppositely arranged integral sections extending longitudinally of the box, connected at their lower edges adjacent to the bottom of the box and diverging upwardly therefrom, said sections having oppositely disposed article receiving apertures and spacing strips located between adjacent apertures and having theirends connected to the oppositely arranged sections at a distance from their connected edges, said spacing strips each having a central line of fold extending transversely of the strip, the portions of said strip on opposite sides of said'line of fold converging upwardly from their points of connection with 'said sections when the packing member is in operative. position in the box.

4. In a collapsible carton, the combination with Y 5. In a collapsible carton, the combination with an enclosing box member, of a packing member comprising oppositely arranged integral sections extending longitudinally of the box, connected at their lower edges adjacent to the bottom of the box and diverging upwardly therefrom, said sec- 1 0 tions having oppositely disposed article receiving apertures and spacing strips integral with said oppositely arranged sections, located between adj acent apertures thereof and integrally connected to said sections at a distance from their connected edges, the outer edge of at least one of said sections being provided with a supporting section foldable with respect thereto, and being of a transverse width substantially equal to the side wall of the box.

6. In a collapsible carton, the combination with an enclosing box member, of a packing member comprising oppositely arranged integral sections extending longitudinally of the box, connected at their lower edges adjacent to the bottom of the box and diverging'upwardly therefrom, said sections having oppositely disposed article receiving apertures and spacing strips located between adjacent apertures and having their ends connected to the oppositely arranged sections at a distance from their connected edges, said spacing strips each having a central line of fold extending transversely of the strip, the portions of said strip on-opposite sides of said line of fold converging upwardly from their points of connection with said sections when the packing member is in operative position in the box, the outer edge of at least one of said sections being provided with a supporting section, of a transverse width substantially equal to that of a side wall of the box, for engaging the bottom of the box adjacent to 'a side wall thereof.

7. In a collapsible carton, the combination with an enclosing box member, of a packing member comprising oppositely arranged integral sections extending longitudinally of the box, connected at their loweredges adjacent to the bottom of the box and diverging upwardly therefrom, said sections having oppositelyv disposed article receiving apertures and transversely disposed substantially parallel slits between adjacent apertures, extending from one section across the line of union of said sections and into the other of said sections, to form spacing strips integral with said sections, each of said spacing strips having a transverse line of fold substantially midway of its length, portions of said strip on opposite sides of saidline' of fold being disposed above the line of union of said sections, presenting lateral edges to engage adjacent articles and hold them in separated relation.

8. In a collapsible carton, the combination with an enclosing box member, of a packing member comprisingoppositely arranged integral sections extending longitudinally of the box, connected at their lower edges adjacent to the bottom of the box and diverging upwardly therefrom, said sections having oppositely disposed article receiving apertures and spacing strips located between adjacent apertures and having their ends connected to the oppositely arranged sections at a distance from their connected edges, each of said spacing strips being folded to bring centrally disposed portions thereof into parallelism, when the packing member is in operative position.

9. In a collapsible. carton, 'the combination with an enclosing box member, of a packing member comprising oppositely arranged integral sections extending longitudinally of the box, connected at their lower. edges adjacent to the bot-'- tom of the box and diverging upwardly therefrom, said sections having oppositely disposed article receiving apertures and spacing strips, each of said spacing strips being folded upon itself centrally of itslength to bring centrally disposed portions of the strip into parallelism, and in vertical position depending downwardly from the remaining portions of the strip when the 1 packing member is in operative position, the cen tral parallel portions of the strips being'permacent to each side wall being permanently united thereto, a cover integral with one side wall and provided with locking projections, the opposite side wall being slotted to receive said locking projections, of a packing member integral with said slotted side wall, and provided'with pairs of Iongitudinal sections, the sections of each pair being provided with oppositely disposed apertures and with integral spacing strips alternating therewith, said strips having their ends permanently united to said sections at points at a distance from the connected edges of said sections.

11. A packing member for an egg carton comprising an integral blank having pairs of oppositely arranged longitudinal sections provided with oppositely disposed apertures, said sections being provided between adjacent apertures with substantially parallel slits extending from one section across the line of union between said sec-' tions and into the other of said sections, and forming separated spacing strips, the lateral edges of which are adapted to engage adjacent articles and hold them in separated relation.

12. In a collapsible carton, the combination with an enclosing box member, of a packing member comprising oppositely arranged integral sections extending longitudinally of the box, connected at their lower edges adjacent to the bottom of the box and diverging upwardly therefrom, said sections having transversely disposed substantially parallel slits, at intervals longitudinally of said sections, extending from one section, across the line of union of said sections, and into the other of said sections to form separated spacing strips, having their ends integral with said sections.

RALPH A. GROSS. 

